Chapter 43: The Youth and the Old Dog
(Still owe six chapters.)
Chen Ping'an did not head directly back to Liu Xianyang's residence. Instead, he first returned to Mud Vase Alley and explained Liu Xianyang's intentions to Ning Yao.
After hearing him out, Ning Yao did not voice an opinion. She simply said that this was a matter between the two of them; she only collected money to eliminate troubles for others. If Liu Xianyang could escape disaster without her help, she would naturally return those three sacks of Gold Essence Copper Coins. Chen Ping'an said it wasn't about the money. Ning Yao replied coldly, "So you want to talk about feelings? Are we on that level already?" Chen Ping'an was almost choked by her words and could only squat on the doorstep, scratching his head.
Ning Yao glanced at the pastries Chen Ping'an had brought, which sat on the table. There were the cheap but tasty Glutinous Rice Jujube Cakes and the relatively expensive Rain Dew Dumplings. It was clearly the youth's utmost effort at hospitality. For the first time, the girl felt a bit soft-hearted and guilty. For a moment, she felt she might be somewhat unfair—eating his food, living in his place, and when trouble arose, even if she couldn't help much, she shouldn't add fuel to the fire. So she asked, "Could it be that Liu Xianyang faced a real physical threat at the blacksmith shop and had to sell that Blackish Warty Armor? For example, maybe there are minions from the Four Clans and Ten Families hidden in the shop who taught Liu Xianyang a lesson in secret?"
Chen Ping'an thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No, Liu Xianyang is definitely not the kind of person to bow down and admit defeat under threat. The first time I met him, even when he was beaten until he spat blood by that bunch from Fortune Street, he never said a single word of surrender. He just kept enduring, and he almost got beaten to death. After so many years, Liu Xianyang's character hasn't changed."
Ning Yao asked again, "Hot-blooded, driven by youthful courage, valuing promises over life and death—the alleys have never lacked such knight-errants. I've seen quite a few myself along my journey. But if a great profit comes his way, with a different kind of temptation, can Liu Xianyang really hold on to his original heart?"
Chen Ping'an fell into thought again, then spoke with firm eyes, "Liu Xianyang won't become a spendthrift just because someone gives him something. He has deep feelings for his grandfather. Unless it really is as he said—that his grandfather instructed him before dying that the precious armor could be sold, but not cheaply, and that the sword manual must stay in the Liu family to be passed down to future generations."
Ning Yao said, "As far as I know, the Warty Armor is indeed of decent quality, but nothing too rare. It's the sword manual that is the real treasure. Since Bright Sun Mountain has coveted it for a long time and even sent two people here to seek it, they clearly regard it as something already in their pocket. So selling the armor and keeping the sword manual—that decision makes sense."
Chen Ping'an nodded.
Ning Yao stroked the green scabbard, her gaze cold. "To be safe, I'll go with you to Liu Xianyang's house. First, we'll deal with that woman. Since Liu Xianyang himself said he wants to sell, we'll let them move the box containing the armor. Then I'll go with you to Ruan's shop to see Liu Xianyang and ask him what he's really thinking. If it's truly his grandfather's dying wish, then you and I don't need to meddle. Every family has its own troubles. Don't stick your nose in where it doesn't belong. If not, then we'll make him tell us his difficulties. If worse comes to worst, I'll just snatch the box back!"
Chen Ping'an asked worriedly, "Is your body okay, Miss Ning?"
Ning Yao snorted coldly, "If I had to face that Mountain-Moving Old Ape from Bright Sun Mountain, I'd definitely come out looking disheveled. But against that woman, in this town, one hand is enough."
Chen Ping'an asked curiously, "Mountain-Moving Ape?"
Ning Yao said dismissively, "A remnant of an ancient ferocious beast left in this world. Its true form is a giant ape as large as a mountain peak. Legend says that once it reveals its true form, it can uproot a mountain and carry it away on its back. But these are just rumors—no one has actually seen it. Bright Sun Mountain has kept a low profile for hundreds of years, but its foundation is deep. Although its sect rank on East Bottle Gourd Continent isn't high, it shouldn't be underestimated. So it's best if we don't start a conflict with them. If we do..."
Chen Ping'an asked cautiously, "If we do start a conflict, what then?"
Ning Yao stood up, pushed the blade out of the scabbard with her thumb by about an inch, and looked at the straw-sandaled youth as if he were an idiot. She said matter-of-factly, "What else? Cut them down!"
Chen Ping'an swallowed hard.
After that, the youth carried a basket on his back and, together with the girl who had put her veiled hat back on and wore the green knife at her waist, slowly walked toward Liu Xianyang's ancestral home.
Ning Yao turned her head and glanced at the youth's basket, asking, "Why so little today?"
Chen Ping'an sighed. "Ma Kuxuan—oh, the grandson of Granny Ma from Apricot Flower Alley. He's about the same age as me. It seems he's become a completely different person now. According to him, the town's feng shui has changed, so the stones in these creeks can no longer hold onto their 'qi' for long."
Ning Yao's expression turned serious, and she said gravely, "He's right. This town is about to undergo a big change. You'd better settle this matter quickly and leave the town. Even if you come back later, it's better than staying here now."
Chen Ping'an wasn't the type to keep banging his head against a wall until it broke. Having lived alone since childhood, he actually understood human sentiments, warmth and coldness, and the urgency of matters better than most. He nodded with a smile. "I will. As soon as I see Liu Xianyang drink the apprenticeship tea with Master Ruan, I'll leave immediately. Hopefully by then, Master Ruan will also agree to forge a sword for you."
Looking at the delighted fellow, Ning Yao asked in puzzlement, "Why are you so happy about something that has nothing to do with you? If you claim you're not a goody-two-shoes, what gives you the right to disagree?"
Probably thinking that they were somewhat familiar with each other now, Chen Ping'an spoke without as much hesitation as before. He said confidently, "Liu Xianyang, Gu Can, and you, Miss Ning. Think about it—there are so many people in the world, and I only care about the well-being of three. How am I a goody-two-shoes?"
Ning Yao asked with a sly smile, "Among those three, where do I rank?"
Chen Ping'an replied both sincerely and sheepishly, "For now, third."
Ning Yao took off her knife, held it casually in her hand, and tapped the youth's shoulder lightly with the scabbard, smiling without warmth. "Chen Ping'an, you should thank me for not killing you."
Chen Ping'an asked in confusion, "Don't you find brewing medicine annoying?"
Ning Yao was taken aback, then understood his meaning. "Chen Ping'an, I suddenly realize that even if you go out into the outside world later, you'll still be able to live quite well."
Chen Ping'an wasn't greedy at all and said sincerely, "As long as it's as good as it is now."
Ning Yao neither agreed nor disagreed, gently swinging the green knife in her hand like a country girl shaking a flower branch.
As they reached the corner of Liu Xianyang's alley, a dark figure suddenly darted out. Ning Yao almost drew her knife but managed to stop in time. It turned out to be a yellow dog, circling affectionately around Chen Ping'an. Chen Ping'an bent down and rubbed the dog's head. After straightening up, he said with a smile, "It belongs to the neighbor next to Liu Xianyang's house. Its name is Laifu. It's been around for many years. It's very timid. Liu Xianyang and I used to take it up the mountain often, but it would just follow behind us, joining in the excitement. Liu Xianyang always complained that it couldn't catch mountain rabbits or pheasants. He said Laifu wasn't even as good as a cat. Like that cat Ma Kuxuan keeps—someone saw it often bringing home pheasants and snakes. But Laifu is old now—more than ten years old, very old."
Having said this, the straw-sandaled youth couldn't help bending down again to stroke Laifu's head, saying softly, "When you're old, you have to accept it, right? Don't worry, once I make big money in the future, I'll make sure you don't go hungry."
Ning Yao shook her head. She couldn't empathize with this.
Even though she had seen many people and many things along her journey—lofty immortals and transcendent masters, ordinary commoners, wealthy young nobles in their finery, and the divine elegance of those riding the wind—she had witnessed countless joys and sorrows, partings and reunions.
Ning Yao had seen Buddhist pilgrims walking barefoot in the bitter wind and rain, carrying their begging bowls, chanting Buddha's name with steady steps. She had seen poor scholars heading to the capital for exams, in a dilapidated ancient temple, tenderly painting eyebrows for a fox spirit disguised as a human, and when they set off again, even knowing that their temples were already frosted, they had no regrets.
She had seen a young Daoist bearing the title of Celestial Master, walking alone through ancient battlefields and graveyards, silently reciting "May the Infinite Heavenly Lord grant blessings," consuming his own cultivation to guide the wandering souls and lonely ghosts toward a path of deliverance. She had seen a middle-aged civil official, on first taking office, personally banning licentious shrines and Dragon King temples, his lips cracked and bleeding, setting up an incense altar on the dry riverbed, hoarsely reciting the "Prayer for Rain to the Dragon King," and finally, for the sake of the people in his jurisdiction, kneeling before the Dragon King temple to confess his sins.
She had seen a man in his seventies, a remnant of the former dynasty, unwilling to follow his son who had taken office under the new dynasty, taking only his young grandson who was just starting elementary school, climbing a height to compose a poem. Facing the shattered homeland of the old mountains and rivers, his tears flowed freely, telling his beloved grandson the original names of the provinces and prefectures that had been renamed. She had seen a lone boat sailing downstream through a thousand-mile gorge, a scholar, amid the cries of apes on both banks, brimming with high spirits, and when he came to a particularly pleasing passage in his reading, he looked up and gave a long howl. She had seen a woman whose beauty could topple kingdoms, her face covered in armor, after the smoke of battle had cleared, galloping on horseback, drinking wine, the most stunning sight.
Along the journey, seeing and hearing, sensing and understanding, Ning Yao's heart for the Dao had always been as firm as a rock, without any hesitation.
Now, Ning Yao had witnessed one more scene.
A lonely, orphaned youth from a humble alley, carrying a basket on his back with a fish trap tied to it, stroking the head of an old dog. The youth was full of hope for the future.
Just as the two returned to Liu Xianyang's house, someone knocked on the courtyard gate. Chen Ping'an and Ning Yao exchanged a glance, then Chen Ping'an went to open the gate. Ning Yao just stood at the door of the house, though she turned to glance at the long sword lying quietly on the counter.
The person knocking was Lu Zhengchun, naturally led by the woman. Also present were two loyal servants of the Lu family.
Lu Zhengchun had a kind face and asked softly, "You're Liu Xianyang's friend, Chen Ping'an, right? We've come to move the box. Liu Xianyang should have informed you. So please accept this bag of money without worry. In addition, the conditions our lady promised Liu Xianyang will be delivered to him without the slightest omission in the future."
Chen Ping'an took the bag of money and stepped aside. The graceful and generous woman was the first to enter the courtyard, followed by Lu Zhengchun and the two servants. The woman personally opened the red-lacquered wooden box that had been placed in the main hall, crouched down, and reached out to touch the ugly-looking armor. A momentary look of fascination appeared in her eyes, followed by barely concealed fervor and desire. But this emotion was quickly suppressed, and her expression returned to normal. After standing up, she signaled Lu Zhengchun to proceed with moving the box. The item was not heavy, as it contained only the armor.
The woman was the last to leave the house. When she reached the threshold, she turned back to look at the straw-sandaled youth, smiled, and said, "Liu Xianyang really does regard you as a friend."
Chen Ping'an, not understanding the implication, could only remain silent, seeing them out of the courtyard.
Finally, Chen Ping'an stood outside the door, unwilling to move for a long time. Ning Yao came to his side.
After the woman walked behind Lu Zhengchun and the other two to the end of the alley, she turned her head to look and saw the youth and girl standing side by side. She said with a meaningful smile, "Youth is good, but one must live to enjoy it, you know."
––––
In the covered bridge that spanned the creek, a tall youth lay in a pool of blood, his body convulsing, continuously spitting out bloody water.
But this time, that tall youth could no longer hear a certain dark, skinny fellow shouting heart-wrenchingly, "Someone's dead!"
At the northern end of the bridge, on the steps, a crowd gathered, talking among themselves, watching the commotion from a distance, but not daring to approach the youth, fearing they might attract trouble.
Two people quickly walked into the covered bridge. The man crouched down, felt the youth's wrist pulse, and his expression grew even more somber.
The girl in green was furious, grinding her teeth. "One punch shattered his chest—such ruthless methods!"
The man said nothing.
The girl in green, who wore a ponytail, said angrily, "Dad! Are you just going to watch Liu Xianyang be beaten to death like this? Liu Xianyang is your half-apprentice!"
The man, who had not let go of the youth's wrist, said expressionlessly, "How was I to know that the illustrious Bright Sun Mountain would be so devoid of rules this time?"
The girl abruptly stood up. "If you won't take charge, I will!"
The man looked up slowly and asked, "Ruan Xiu, do you want your father to collect your corpse?"
The girl strode forward, undaunted, and said heavily, "I, Ruan Xiu, am not just good at eating—I can also kill!"
A hint of thunderous anger flickered in the man's brow.
Part of it was because of his daughter's recklessness, but more was naturally due to the vicious strike from that old ape of Bright Sun Mountain.
The man thought it over. Since he had not yet formally taken over Qi Jingchun's position, did that mean he didn't have to be so reasonable?
The girl in green suddenly stopped in her tracks.
She saw a thin youth running madly toward her from the other end of the covered bridge.
She saw that familiar figure, wearing a pair of straw sandals, his face expressionless, as calm as still water.
In an instant, they brushed past each other. The girl wanted to say something but couldn't get the words out. For no reason, she felt very wronged, and tears streamed down her face.
When the straw-sandaled youth sat down beside him and reached out to hold one of the tall youth's hands, Liu Xianyang, his vision already blurry, seemed to muster a bit more spirit. He tried to force a smile, speaking haltingly, "That woman said if I didn't hand over the armor, she could kill you... She also said that since mother and son came to our town together, only one would be expelled—a price she could afford. I was afraid, afraid she would really kill you... What I told you before wasn't all lies. My grandfather really did say those things to me, so I thought selling it was no big deal... But just now, she sent someone to find me again, saying that old man had gone mad. When he heard I didn't have the sword manual, he insisted on killing you first, then me. I was really worried about you, wanted to warn you... So I ran all the way here, and then that old bastard hit me with a punch. It hurts a bit..."
The straw-sandaled youth lowered his head, gently wiping the blood from the corner of Liu Xianyang's mouth. The youth's dark, thin face was tightly contorted as he said softly, "Don't be afraid, it's okay. Trust me, don't talk anymore. I'll take you home..."
The tall youth's forcibly mustered spirit gradually faded. His gaze drifted, and he murmured, "I don't regret it. Don't blame yourself, really... It's just... I'm just a little afraid. I never knew I was afraid of dying too."
Finally, the tall youth tightly gripped the hand of his only friend, sobbing, "Chen Ping'an, I'm really afraid of dying."
The straw-sandaled youth sat on the ground, one hand tightly holding Liu Xianyang's, the other clenched into a fist propped on his knee.
He gasped for breath, breathing desperately.
The young youth, so young, was like an old dog at that moment.
The straw-sandaled youth's eyes were red.
When he wanted to demand justice from the heavens, he felt even more like a dog.
Chen Ping'an didn't want to be like this. He didn't want to be like this for the rest of his life!